DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-58,512

TRI-STATE HOSPITAL SUPPLY CORPORATION
SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on December 19, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Tri-State Hospital Supply Corporation, Salisbury, North
Carolina. Workers at the subject firm produce OR (operation room)
and sterile kits.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject firm
declined during the December 2005.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that some of the
production of OR and sterile kits at the subject firm has shifted
from Salisbury, North Carolina to a country (Mexico) that is a
party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) for
older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the facilities are age 50
or over and do not possess skills that are easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there was a shift in production
from the workers firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that are
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act,
I make the following certification:



"All workers of Tri-State Hospital Supply Corporation,
Salisbury, North Carolina who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after December 16, 2004
through two years from the date of certification are eligible
to apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the
Trade Act of 1974, and are also eligible to apply for
alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of
the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 30th day of December 2005

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance